Good Morning 12-24

Micah 5:2-4
Heb. 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-55
Psalm 96 & 80:1-7 Our fourth Advent is cut short because of
Christmas coming on a Monday. You can fill your days in by reading the
above passages.

Blessed, indeed, was the woman chosen by god to be mother to Jesus
Christ! Life cradled in a woman's womb is always wondrous, yet Mary's
body held life that would be revealed as the Son of God, the Savior of
the world. It is no wonder that Elizabeth greeted Mary in words that
would resound throughout history.

The comment of St. Paul that God chose what was lowly so that He might
accomplish His high purpose to save us comes to mind when we think of
Mary. She is an example of . . .

This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Micah 5:2-4
Heb. 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-55
Psalm 96 & 80:1-7 Our fourth Advent is cut short because of Christmas coming on a Monday. You can fill your days in by reading the above passages.

Blessed, indeed, was the woman chosen by god to be mother to Jesus Christ! Life cradled in a woman's womb is always wondrous, yet Mary's body held life that would be revealed as the Son of God, the Savior of the world. It is no wonder that Elizabeth greeted Mary in words that would resound throughout history.

The comment of St. Paul that God chose what was lowly so that He might accomplish His high purpose to save us comes to mind when we think of Mary. She is an example of submission. "I am the LORD'S servant" Luke 1:38. She is also an example of humility. Twice in the poem."The Magnificat"(to glorify and praise Him), she mentions her humble state in v. 48-52. though to Mary alone was granted the privilege of being the mother of the Messiah, the "One desired by women" Dan. 11:37, she never became proud and never lost her spirit of selfless dependence on God.

Mary is an example of thankfulness. She responded to God's touch with her whole soul and spirit, praising and exalting the LORD. She saw God's work in her own life, evidence of His love for all His people, and was thrilled with God's might, grace, mercy and faithfulness.

Today we should honor Mary, and thank God for her simple trust. The best way to honor her is to model our own relationship with God on the traits she displayed.

We have a come a long way on our Advent journey. We must take the lessons learned into the New Year. With God's gift of faith, we will keep Christ at the center of our lives. We will keep Christmas in our hearts all year long.

Today we light the fourth candle (purple) "Angels' Candle" the candle of "Promise" to remind us of the light the stars gave that guided the Magi to Jesus. Tomorrow night we light the last candle.

PRAY - Stir up Your power, O LORD, and come among us with great might; and because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let Your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us through Jesus Christ, our LORD. Amen